The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) in Ibadan, affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University, is entering a new chapter as Professor Veronica Obatolu, its first female Executive Director, concludes her transformative six-year tenure. Known for her passionate commitment to human nutrition and agricultural advancement, Prof. Obatolu's leadership has redefined success within the Institute, setting a remarkable standard for her successors.
Prof. Obatolu's time at the helm has been characterized by an unwavering dedication to professional growth, innovation, and community engagement. Her tenure from 2019 to 2025 was marked by significant milestones that not only elevated the Institute’s research capabilities but also empowered farmers across Nigeria's Southwest region.
Under her stewardship, the IAR&T witnessed groundbreaking achievements, including the revitalization of moribund feed mills, the release of improved cultivars of maize, cowpea, and kenaf, as well as the development of land and water management technologies. These advancements were shared and implemented promptly among farmers and stakeholders, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that has far-reaching implications for food security in the region.
In addition to research breakthroughs, Prof. Obatolu spearheaded extensive infrastructural development, culminating in the establishment of the Agricultural Value Addition and Entrepreneurship Center and a new office complex for professors, along with another facility in Kabba, Kogi State. These projects stand as testament to her exceptional leadership and visionary approach in enhancing the Institute’s operational efficacy.
One of her significant contributions has been the elevation of staff morale and career trajectories. During her tenure, the number of professors at IAR&T increased from a mere handful to 29, a feat that reflects her commitment to nurturing academic excellence and professional growth. Moreover, initiatives such as the modernization of library systems and the capacity building of personnel have further strengthened the academic fabric of the Institute.
Prof. Obatolu also transformed the Institute's outreach programs, notably through the "Agbe Asejere" (Profitable Farming) radio broadcast, which reached audiences across five different radio stations in the Southwest. This unprecedented move illustrates her commitment to disseminating research findings and critical agricultural insights to smallholder farmers, especially in a time of dwindling Agricultural Development Programmes in the region.
Her drive for community empowerment did not falter even during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she mobilized the Institute to distribute essential agricultural inputs and relief materials to farmers throughout the Southwest, ensuring that they could return to their fields despite the challenges.
Acknowledged nationally and internationally for her contributions to combating food insecurity, Prof. Obatolu leaves behind a legacy that is richly adorned with awards for exemplary leadership, integrity, and dedication to duty. These accolades, including the Exemplary Leadership Award and the Transparency Africa Award, affirm her stature not only as a leader in agricultural research but also as a paragon of ethical governance.
As IAR&T bids farewell to Prof. Obatolu, the entire Moor Plantation community reflects on the indelible impact she has made through her rigorous work ethic, unwavering integrity, and heartfelt compassion. She has not only been a trailblazer within the Institute but has also significantly influenced her community and beyond, extending her love and wisdom to all those she encountered.
Prof. Obatolu's departure marks the end of a significant era, but her vision and dedication will continue to inspire future leaders at IAR&T. As she embarks on new ventures, the IAR&T family celebrates her remarkable journey and wishes her the best in her future endeavors, confident that her legacy will endure in the Institute's culture and achievements.
